Fonzie

Fonzie
Winkler as the Fonz in 1977
First appearance"All the Way" (1974)
Last appearance"Passages Part 2" (1984)
Portrayed byHenry Winkler
In-universe information
Alias"Fonzie"
"The Fonz"
OccupationMechanic, co-owner of Arnold's Drive-In, high school teacher
AffiliationRepublican
Family
  • Vito Fonzarelli (father, deceased)
  • Angela Fonzarelli (mother)
  • Arthur 'Artie' Fonzarelli (half-brother)
ChildrenDanny Corrigan Jr. (adoptive son)
Relatives
NationalityAmerican

Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, better known as "Fonzie" or "The Fonz", is a fictional character played by Henry Winkler in the American sitcom Happy Days (1974–1984). He was originally a secondary character, but was soon positioned as a lead character when he began surpassing the other characters in popularity. The Fonzie character was so popular that in the second season producers considered renaming the show to "Fonzie's Happy Days."[1] Fonzie was seen by many as the epitome of coolness and a sex symbol.[2][3][4][5]

Happy Days producer and writer Bob Brunner created both Arthur Fonzarelli's "Fonzie" nickname, and the invented put-down, "Sit on it".[6][7][8] The character was a stereotypical greaser who was frequently seen on his motorcycle, wore a leather jacket, and typified the essence of cool, in contrast to his circle of friends.

On November 8, 1980, Hanna-Barbera Productions and Paramount Television produced the ABC Saturday morning The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang animated series during the Saturday morning schedule on ABC.

Fonzie is one of only two characters (along with Howard Cunningham) to appear in all 255 episodes of the series.

  1. ^ "Ron Howard". Television Academy Interviews. October 23, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  2. ^ Waters, Darren (August 12, 2004). "Remembering Happy Days". BBC News. (BBC). Retrieved August 28, 2011.
  3. ^ "From failure to Fonz – actor Winkler aims to inspire". Reuters. April 27, 2007. Archived from the original on July 24, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
  4. ^ Haithman, Diane (January 4, 1991). "Is Uncool Urkel the '90s Answer to the Fonz?". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  5. ^ "Sex Symbol Henry Winkler, aka 'The Fonz,' Admits, "I Was Insecure" Growing Up". Closer Weekly. (Closer). March 5, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  6. ^ "Bob Brunner, 'Happy Days' writer, dies". Variety. November 8, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  7. ^ "Bob Brunner, 'Happy Days' writer and producer, dies aged 78". Digital Spy. November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  8. ^ Barnes, Mike (November 7, 2012). "'Happy Days' Writer-Producer Bob Brunner Dies at 78". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 27, 2012.